Quick answer
Etsy SEO works by matching your titles, tags, categories and attributes to buyer searches, then ranking listings on quality, customer experience, recency and shipping. Clear titles, all 13 tags, great photos and reviews help most.
Key takeaways
- Etsy matches listings to searches using titles, tags, categories and attributes.
- Listing quality, reviews and shipping also affect ranking.
- Write titles for buyers first, with the main keyword near the start.
- Use all 13 tags with multi-word phrases buyers actually search.
How do you research and write listings?
- Type product ideas into Etsy's search bar and note suggestions.
- Use how Australians describe things, such as jumper versus sweater.
- Put the main keyword near the start of a readable title.
- Open the description with what the item is and who it is for.
How do you use tags and attributes?
- Use all 13 tags, as multi-word phrases such as "personalised dog collar".
- Include synonyms and Australian spellings.
- Do not repeat your category.
- Complete every relevant attribute and pick the most specific category.
What else affects ranking?
- Bright, clear photos in every image slot, plus a short video.
- Competitive shipping, clear processing times and complete policies.
- Reviews earned through careful packaging and friendly communication.
- Outside traffic from Google, Pinterest and social media.
What is a quick listing checklist?
- Main keyword at the start of the title.
- All 13 tags used.
- Every attribute completed.
- At least five good photos.
- Accurate shipping profile.
Which mistakes should you fix?
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Single-word tags | Use multi-word phrases |
| Keyword-stuffed titles | Write clear, readable titles |
| Empty attributes | Fill in every relevant one |
| Dark photos | Use bright, simple images |
Check Etsy Stats to see which searches bring visitors. Our ecommerce marketing team can help you grow beyond marketplaces.
How does Etsy search work?
Etsy first finds listings that match the buyer's words, using titles, tags, categories and attributes. It then ranks them by listing quality, customer experience, recency and shipping.
Revisit older listings that get views but few sales.
Bottom line
Write titles and tags for the buyer, use every tag slot and keep listings, photos and reviews strong. Steady improvement beats one-off tweaks.
